Explore the written and spoken word, as well as the best in classical liberal arts traditions from across the globe, through Humanities and Cultural Studies. Whether you focus on creative writing or modern languages, literature or philosophy, you will simultaneously immerse yourself in the accumulated knowledge of centuries of the humanities and develop the type of modern soft skills – critical thinking, effective communications, cultural competence – that are in-demand across disciplines and fields. Students gain powerful, life-enriching, practical skills that enable them to think outside the box and equip them to solve global challenges, making them excellent candidates on the job market.
At Rhode Island College you will have the opportunity to study and write poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction in workshops and literature classes that focus on the components of craft, questions of genre, and intricacies of art.
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain experience with publishing as staff members on Shoreline, Rhode Island College's literary magazine and may elect to complete an Honors Thesis in Creative Writing under the guidance of English department faculty.
English majors develop some of the most important skills demanded in today’s workplaces, including critical analysis, problem solving, aesthetic awareness, and communication. With concentrations in literature, creative writing, and professional writing, the English department at RIC gives you opportunities to pursue your intellectual interests, engage with nationally recognized faculty, and gain professional experience in preparation for an enormous range of careers.
Tailor your interests and map your future. Study abroad to surround yourself in the world of Shakespeare; get hands-on writing experience working for the Rhode Island College literary magazine; or intern with a local organization to build your resume. Whatever path you choose, Rhode Island College’s English program invites you to pursue your interests through the study of culture, history, language, and writing, as well as a variety of experiential learning opportunities.
Our Geography Program studies the science of what makes places unique and how natural environments influence patterns of human settlement in different regions of the country and world. We ask questions like: Where are phenomena located on the surface of the earth and why are they found there? Why do places differ so much from one another in their physical and cultural characteristics? Geography links social and natural sciences. As such, there are two branches of geography: Human Geography and Physical Geography. Human Geography covers the spatial aspects of human existence while Physical Geography examines patterns of weather, climate and climate change.
Geography students engage in hands-on, experiential learning with an opportunity to discover learning styles that work best for them. Field trips and work, internships, group projects and independent study are embedded within the diverse curriculum. The program also offers significant individualized guidance and advising, as well as a chance to work one-on-one with Geography professors on topics of personal interest.
This program will give you the cultural and geographic knowledge to work in a variety of roles such as public service, government, academia, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations. You will get the chance to conduct research, learn a second language, understand new perspectives on global issues, and gain valuable cultural experiences. You will get to become a global citizen who appreciates and respects the languages, arts, religions, philosophies and cultures of our global community.
This program will give you the cultural and geographic knowledge to work in a variety of roles such as public service, government, academia, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations. You will get the chance to conduct research, learn a second language, understand new perspectives on global issues, and gain valuable cultural experiences. You will get to become a global citizen who appreciates and respects the languages, arts, religions, philosophies and cultures of our global community.
The bachelor of Liberal Studies degree is an ideal choice for students whose intellectual interests do not fall neatly into a traditional department or discipline. In consultation with the program director, students develop a plan of study that incorporates courses from multiple disciplines relating to a topic or theme chosen by the student.
All liberal arts majors are designed to develop analytical and critical reasoning skills, effective oral and written communication, and, in most cases, quantitative skills. These are the “transferrable skills” that can be applied in a variety of contexts, and are the skills that are prized by employers in all areas of business, industry, and public service.
This program will give you the linguistic, cultural and geographic knowledge to work in a variety of roles such as public service, government, academia, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations. You will get the chance to conduct research, learn a second language, access new information, and gain valuable cultural experiences. You will get to become a global citizen who appreciates and respects the languages, arts, religions, philosophies and cultures of our global community.
With five language concentrations to choose from, you are able to shape your program experience. As a Modern Languages major you will also have the opportunity to study abroad and experience other cultures. Enrich your education through immersive learning experiences and enroll in a variety of courses that go beyond language.
Philosophy pursues questions in every dimension of human life, and its techniques apply to problems in any field of study. No brief definition expresses the richness and variety of philosophy. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments. Philosophy develops the capacity to see the world from the perspective of other individuals and other cultures; it enhances one's ability to perceive the relationships among the various fields of study; and it deepens one's sense of the meaning and variety of human experience.
In this program, you will have the ability to tailor your major to your interests. In addition to the required courses, you will be given freedom to choose courses from anthropology, economics, geography, history, international non-governmental organizations, modern languages, political science, sociology, and English. This program will give you the chance to shape your future in a way that is unique to you.
In this program you will acquire the necessary second-language skills and cultural background essential for teaching professionals, health and public service employees, business managers and executives, and graduate programs.
Linguistic and cultural proficiency in Portuguese can be a significant advantage to young professionals in today's global economy. Enroll in a Portuguese course at Rhode Island College and explore the advantages of making Portuguese part of your career path!